23 April 2025
Recruitment has started for the appointment of members of​ Jersey’s
newly established Independent Climate Council, which will be funded through the
Climate Emergency Fund.
The Independent Climate Council will play a vital role in ensuring oversight and
accountability of the Government of Jersey’s climate actions, as outlined in the
Carbon Neutral Roadmap, CNR. The Council will report on progress every four years,
aligned with the electoral cycle, and provide independent, science-based analysis on
greenhouse gas, GHG, emission reductions and the delivery of climate policy
initiatives.
Final appointments to the Council will be confirmed jointly by the Minister for the
Environment and the Chair of the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure, EHI, Scrutiny Panel, in line with the proposal approved by the States Assembly.
The recruitment process will be overseen by Jersey Appointments Commission.
Minister for the Environment, Deputy Steve Luce, said:
"Recruitment for the Independent Climate Council comes at a crucial time, when global
climate action is under scrutiny. The Council will provide robust scientific analysis and
essential transparency. It will review how effectively the Government of Jersey is
delivering the measures set out in the Carbon Neutral Roadmap and progress made
towards the Island’s emission reduction targets under the Paris Agreement. In holding
the Government to account, the Council will play a vital role in supporting a renewed
focus on delivering Jersey’s net zero commitment.
"Appointment to Jersey's first Climate Council offers an exceptional opportunity to
review our actions and achievements since the Carbon Neutral Roadmap was approved
in 2022. The Council’s report and recommendations will be published early next year
before final agreement of the priorities for the Roadmap’s second delivery plan running
from 2027 to 2030. We welcome applications from suitably qualified and experienced
Islanders as well as candidates from further afield. I look forward to supporting the
Council’s work when it convenes later this year.”
Deputy Hilary Jeune, Chair of the EHI Scrutiny Panel, said:
“This initiative stems from an amendment by the EHI Scrutiny Panel to the Carbon
Neutral Roadmap, following the recognition that independent oversight was missing.
The establishment of this Council is fundamental to maintaining good governance and
ensuring Jersey remains on track to meet its climate goals. The four-yearly reports will
offer transparent, evidence-based insight to the public, who are central to our collective
progress towards becoming a net-zero Island. I'm proud that Scrutiny will continue its
role as a constructive and critical friend to Government throughout this process.”
The States Assembly declared a climate emergency in May 2019, acknowledging its
likely profound effects on Jersey. In response, the Carbon Neutral Roadmap was
approved on 29 April 2022, setting out the initial policies to reduce GHG emissions
during the 2022–2025 Delivery Plan period.
The Council’s primary responsibility will be to produce a comprehensive report at the
end of each governmental term, assessing Jersey’s progress on GHG emissions
reductions and evaluating how effectively the CNR is being delivered. The first report
is due to be presented to the States Assembly by the end of Q1 2026.
The Independent Climate Council will comprise up to five members, including a Chair
elected from within the membership. At least one member must be a full-time Jersey
resident. Appointed members will serve a single fixed term and will primarily conduct
their work during the final quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026.
Council members will bring independent expertise and strategic insight to help guide
Jersey’s transition to net zero, evaluating implementation of current policies and
advising on how best to apply resources to meet climate objectives.
Further details on the recruitment process can be found here: Leading our Island and the candidate brief.​
gov.je